An exciting
new dinosaur attraction is heading to Clacton Pier to replace its 40-year-old
seaquarium.
The bespoke
facility will involve a walk-through Jurassic themed area leading into a 4D
virtual reality cinema.
It will
include motion seats, 3-D glasses, water-squirters, wind and lighting to make
it a fully immersive experience.
Animatronic
dinosaurs will also feature as part of the walk-through which will be developed
mainly by the pier’s own in-house team.
The cinema is
being provided by Simworx of Dudley in the West Midlands, one of the world’s
top suppliers of motion simulation technology.
It has worked
with the biggest names in theme park and entertainment such as Universal and
Merlin.
Pier director
Billy Ball said that the aim is to have the new attraction ready to open next
Easter.
“Work will
begin as soon as we have closed the seaquarium at the end of the month and
rehomed all the fish and sea life,” he said.
“We will then
start to deconstruct and remove all the exhibits and tanks ready to move
forward.
“It is always
difficult to say exactly how long a project will take and it will depend on any
other demands that come along. But we are anticipating having it ready for
Easter 2023 provided everything goes to plan.”
Mr Ball added
that the cinema element will be flexible and also allow various types of
content to be shown.
For example,
it can be changed to a Halloween theme in October or a Christmas package in
December. The pier will also be able to use it for staff inductions when
needed.
Mr Ball said
that it is something completely different and will appeal to a wide range of
ages, especially children.
Bosses at the
pier have taken the decision to close the seaquarium due to new higher
standards being brought in and rising costs.
It meant
either making a significant investment to upgrade the attraction which was
introduced in the 1980s or shut it down and come up with something different
for the space.
Talks have
already taken place to rehome the sea life and that will be done in line with
all the correct procedures.
“We are hoping
that they will all go to one sea life centre, rather than split up,” added Mr
Ball.
Photo: Simworx
Ends
